CN105899550A - Systems and compositions for creating three-dimensional objects - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods for creating three-dimensional artwork and objects are shown and described herein.

Description

Systems and compositions for creating three-dimensional objects

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 62/066,002, filed October 20, 2014, entitled "System and Method for Creating Three-Dimensional Artwork and Objects." The entire disclosure of said provisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference.

technical field

The present invention relates generally to the field of writing and drawing implements, and more particularly to implements and inks for creating three-dimensional artwork and objects.

Background technique

Three-dimensional printers using power and powder are currently available to print objects in the machine. For example, US Patent No. 7,435,368 teaches a three-dimensional printer that uses an inkjet print head and powder to prototype and print a three-dimensional model. Other 3D printing devices are more flexible and employ a pen-like device that extrudes hot material and a power source to deliver a material that cools to form a three-dimensional material, much like a glue gun.

However, these devices and methods are cumbersome or dangerous for children to use. There is a need for systems and devices for use by children that provide three-dimensional mapping techniques that do not require the use of electromechanical or hot chemicals.

Disclosure of the invention

The present invention includes systems and devices that allow children and adults to create objects for inclusion in larger objects or larger pieces of art by extruding a quick-drying compound on a non-stick surface and then removing the dried art or object. 3D objects and artwork in .

The present invention includes quick-drying or fast-setting compounds that can be extruded vertically to create three-dimensional objects. Fast-setting compounds are cured by light.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and are to be interpreted in conjunction with the specification, the same reference symbols are used throughout and refer to similar parts in the various views as far as possible:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pen according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pen and tablet of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is the right sectional view of the pen of the embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a right elevational view of a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a pen of a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is the front elevation view of the third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a rear elevation view of a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a right side elevational view of a third embodiment of the present invention with the reservoir removed;

Figure 10 is a top view of a third embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 11 is a bottom view of a third embodiment of the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

References throughout the specification to "one embodiment", "anembodiment", "one example" or "an example" refer to The particular feature, structure or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, in various places in this specification the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", "one example" or "an example (an example)" are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combination and/or subcombination in one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, it should be understood that the drawings provided herein are for purposes of explanation to those of ordinary skill in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

For convenience and not limitation, some terms are defined below to aid in the understanding of the exemplary embodiments. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, that term should be given the broadest definition persons skilled in the pertinent art have given that term, as reflected in published publications and issued patents.

As used herein, the term "about" when placed before the numerical value "X" refers to an interval extending from X minus 10% of X to X plus 10% of X, preferably extending from X minus 5% of X to X plus The interval of 5% of X, and even more preferably X minus 2% of X extends to the interval of X plus 2% of X.

The term "inclined" is not used in a limiting sense, since inclined surfaces may also be arcuate or conical.

The terms "compound", "composition", "ingredient" and "component" are sometimes used interchangeably to refer to one or more chemical components. As used herein, the term "complex" refers to a mixture consisting of two or more individual elements.

The term "ink" is intended to include any coloring material including, but not limited to, inks, dyes, pigments, or other similar coloring liquids.

As used herein, the term "light" refers to daylight or artificial light, including incandescent light, LED light, fluorescent light sources known in the art.

When used to describe the ink composition of the present invention, the term "liquid" is meant to include any non-solid physical state of the composition capable of being dispersed or spread over a given surface, i.e., in its highly flowable state as well as semi-solid Sticky state both.

As used herein, the term "nozzle" includes any conventional or preferred static mechanical device for directing or altering the flow of a fluid.

As used herein, the term "stylus" does not include only pen-shaped devices, and the terms "pen" and "stylus" are used interchangeably and interchangeably.

As used herein, the term "reservoir" includes a container or chamber for containing fluid.

Although directional references, such as upper, lower, downward, upward, rearward, bottom, front, rear, etc., may be made herein in describing the drawings, for convenience these references are made with respect to the drawings (as viewed normally). These orientations are not intended to be interpreted literally or to limit the invention in any way. Furthermore, terms such as "first", "second" and "third" are used herein for descriptive purposes, and these terms are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof and similar imported words.

"Including", "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof as used herein are meant to include the items listed thereafter and their equivalents as well as additional items.

Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mount," "connect," "support," and "couple" and variations thereof are used generically and include both direct and indirect mounting, connecting, supporting, and coupling. Furthermore, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

The present invention provides a pen 100 comprising a compressible reservoir 502 containing a liquid compound 110 having a proximal end 104, a distal end 106, and a sidewall 108 extending from the proximal end 104 to the distal end 106; Coupled to the proximal end 104 of the reservoir 502, the liquid compound exits the reservoir through a nozzle. When the reservoir 502 is squeezed, the liquid compound 110 in the reservoir 502 is forced out of the nozzle 112 . The pen 100 is composed of a thin-walled plastic material that allows the reservoir 502 to be easily compressed. Nozzle 112 is large enough to extrude a quantity of compound 110 onto the surface. A cap 116 is provided.

As shown in Figure 2, the pen 100 is used to impart an ink composition to draw a two-dimensional object on a plane or surface 200 having indentations or notches 201 (to be filled with ink). Preferably, the surface is a non-stick surface 202 composed of a suitable material such as silicone or laminated plastic with a non-stick coating. Surface 202 is transparent and includes the desired drawing object 204 or a notch 201 that provides the desired drawing object 204 form. Alternatively, drawing object 204 is printed as plane 202 .

Liquid ink compound 110 is a material that remains in liquid or gel form within reservoir 502 and when extruded from nozzle 112 . When exposed to light, the liquid composite 110 begins to harden rapidly and solidifies into the fibrous material 302 . The fibrous material 302 is flexible but dense enough to hold a shape. Thus, when hardened, it can be removed from the drawing surface 202 and used to create a three-dimensional object such as that shown in FIG. 2 . Liquid composite 110 can be composed of many different materials that allow for rapid drying when exposed to light. The liquid composition 110 may include a dye material to allow changing the color of the drawn object.

A two-dimensional object 204 is traced by using the pen 100 . When the ink composite 110 is extruded, it dries. Once the composite is dry, the ink fibrous material 302 is removed from the drawing surface 202 . Other two-dimensional objects, such as temples of eyeglasses, may be joined to dry fibrous material 302 by providing connectors 304 between pieces of fibrous material. In this way, a three-dimensional object 306 is created.

FIG. 3 shows the pen 100 having an inner portion relative to the outer sidewall 108 . The inner reservoir 502 is shown positioned within the outer reservoir to contain the composite 110 . Internal reservoir 502 is connected to nozzle 112 . The compound 110 contained within the reservoir is deflected away from the reservoir 502 by manual manipulation of the clamping system 500 . When pressure is applied on sidewall 108 , biasing clips 504 , 506 are squeezed into reservoir 502 on each side of 502 . The biasing clips 504 , 506 are pivotally connected at the distal end of the pen by a pivot connection 602 .

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the pen 350 without the clamping system 500 of FIG. 3 . The pen 100 consists of an outer sleeve 352 forming a compressible reservoir 354 for containing the composition 110 . Upon manual compression of cannula 352 , reservoir 354 is compressed to extrude composition 110 from nozzle 356 .

From the above, it should be clear that one can use the pen 100 to write, print, draw or color in a manner similar to that used when using a normal pen or pencil. Clip the pen in essentially the same way. Move the nozzle in essentially the same way as the writing tip of a pen or pencil. The only difference is that the user squeezes the pen 100 between the index finger and thumb simultaneously to cause and control the flow of the liquid compound from the nozzle 112 when the user gives the nozzle a writing, printing, drawing or coloring action.

The ink composition of the present invention includes a photocurable resin. More specifically, the ink composition of the present invention is a mixture comprising an unsaturated prepolymer and a photoinitiator. Additional ingredients that may be used include, but are not limited to, dyes and elastomers.

The ink composition uses an unsaturated prepolymer or a photocurable resin. The unsaturated prepolymer or photocurable resin may be present in an amount sufficient to give the composition the desired rate of cure. The unsaturated prepolymer is selected from the group consisting of unsaturated polyurethane prepolymer, unsaturated polyacrylate prepolymer, unsaturated epoxy prepolymer or copolymers thereof in various proportions. The unsaturated prepolymer or photocurable resin may be present in an amount from less than 60% to about 85% by weight of the total composition.

The ink composition of the present invention includes a photoinitiator selected from the benzoylphosphine oxide class of polymeric photoinitiators. Preferably, the photoinitiator used is 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide. Photoinitiators may be present in amounts of less than 1% to about 10% by weight of the total composition.

In addition to photoinitiators of the benzoylphosphine oxide class, a second photoinitiator may be used. The second photoinitiator is selected from the group consisting of ethyl (4-dimethylamino)benzoate or ethyl (2-dimethylamino)benzoate. The second photoinitiator may be present in an amount from less than 1% to about 5% by weight of the total composition.

Silicone elastomer light dispersing agents may be used. Optical dispersants may be present in amounts of less than 1% to about 5% by weight of the total composition.

Propylene glycol may be included in the composition as a preservative and emulsifier. Emulsifiers may be present in amounts from less than 1% to about 10% by weight of the total composition.

Plasticizers may be included in the composition. Acceptable plasticizers may include, but are not limited to, epoxidized soybean oil. Plasticizers may be present in amounts of less than 1% to about 10% by weight of the total composition.

Thickeners may be included in the composition. Thickening agents may include, but are not limited to, glyceryl monostearate. Thickeners may be present in amounts of less than 1% to about 5% by weight of the total composition.

Stabilizers may be included in the composition. Stabilizers may include, but are not limited to, butylated hydroxytoluene or butylated hydroxyanisole, or the like. Stabilizers may be present in amounts of less than 1% to about 2% by weight of the total composition.

Additional oils and solvents may be included in the composition to adjust the viscosity of the composition in its liquid form.

Dyes useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to, FD&C Yellow #5 (available from B F Goodrich Hilton Davis Chemical Company, Brecksville, Ohio), FD&C Yellow #6 (available from B F Goodrich Hilton Davis Chemical Company), D&C Yellow #10 (available from Warner Jenkinson, St. Louis, Mo.), FD&C Blue #1 (available from B F Goodrich Hilton Davis Chemical Company), D&C Red #28 (available from Warner Jenkinson), D&C Red #33 (available from Warner Jenkinson), Magenta Disperse Magenta Dispersion (available from Warner Jenkinson), Green Dispersion (available from Colorcon, West Point, Pa.), and Yellow Dispersion (available from Colorcon).

The dye is present in an amount sufficient to impart substantial coloring to the composition. Dyes may be present in amounts from less than 1% to about 10% by weight of the total composition.

A wide variety of pigments can be used as the dye component of the compositions of the present invention. The liquid fill composition can be colored red, magenta, pink, yellow, blue, orange, purple, violet, green, and the like. Often, highly visible, alluring colors are used, including fluorescent versions of the colors.

The ink composition can be cured using light as described in detail below or by light from a separate device or sunlight.

An alternative embodiment of the pen 400 is provided in FIGS. 5-11 that uses an array of artificial light 420 to cure the ink composition extruded from the pen 400 . External artificial light can be used to cure the ink composition, such as light from an interior lamp or from a spotlight. Natural sunlight can also be used. The extra light speeds up the curing process.

The pen 400 includes a housing 436 and a removable compressible reservoir 402 having a proximal end 404, a distal end 406, and a sidewall 408 extending from the proximal end 404 to the distal end 406, the reservoir 402 containing The liquid compound 110; the nozzle 412 is coupled to the proximal end 404 of the reservoir 402 through which the liquid compound exits the reservoir. When the reservoir 402 is compressed, the liquid compound 110 in the reservoir 402 is forced out of the nozzle 412 . The compressible reservoir 402 is constructed of thin walled plastic which allows manual compression by the human hand. Nozzle 412 is large enough to extrude a volume of compound 110 onto the surface. As shown, the reservoir 402 is intended for manual compression of the reservoir to express composition from the reservoir. However, it is contemplated that other extrusion mechanisms are suitable and could equally be used. It is contemplated that the compression clips used with the first embodiment may also be used to compress the reservoir 402 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pen 400 is an elongated structure extending along the longitudinal axis of the pen 400 to fit the hand. The light array 420 provides a curing mechanism for the liquid ink within the reservoir after extrusion. The nozzle 412 is located at the proximal end 414 of the pen 400, adjacent to the illumination array 420, and extends a distance from there to allow extrusion from the nozzle.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the ink composition must be fully extruded from the nozzle prior to curing, otherwise the nozzle will become clogged. Therefore, the ink composition must be kept away from the nozzle prior to curing, and any curing mechanism must accommodate this extrusion. The artificial lighting array 420 of the present invention uses structurally efficient nozzles in combination with a light arrangement to provide a curing mechanism near the point of extrusion without clogging the nozzle openings 438 .

As shown in FIG. 9 , the nozzle extends from the body 452 of the reservoir 402 . The nozzle includes a rounded tip 450 that includes an extrusion aperture 448 and an angled nozzle body 454 that extends from the surround 424 of the proximal end 414 of the pen 400 . The angled nozzle portion 454 shown in FIG. 7 is an arcuate portion having three arcuate or angled notches 456 around the perimeter of the nozzle portion 454 . Between the arcuate notches 456 , three arcuate bridges 458 extend along the perimeter of the nozzle portion 454 . In conjunction with light array 420 discussed more fully below, arcuate bridge 458 creates shadows when used with light array 420 to limit light exposure of the nearest tip of the nozzle to a greater distance away from the nozzle.

The lighting array 420 includes at least two lights 416, 418 directed at the nozzle 412 to provide a source of light to the composition as it is extruded from the nozzle 412. In experiments, applicants have discovered that various lights can help increase the curing speed of the ink composition. Additional light 422 may also be provided in the light array to cure the extruded composition with additional light. The speed at which the ink composition is cured significantly affects the use of the product. In this manner, the composition can be cured and set when extruded. These lights 416 , 418 , 422 are positioned adjacent to the arcuate bridge 458 of the nozzle 454 . The light of the illumination array 420 is directed at an angle towards the tip 450 of the nozzle. The angle of light can be from 20 degrees to 60 degrees.

An illumination array 420 is provided arranged at an angle around the nozzle 412 to efficiently direct light toward the tip of the nozzle 412 . As shown, the illumination array is arranged as lights 416, 418, 422 equally spaced around the nozzle. Lights 416, 418, 422 may comprise any light bulb known in the art sufficient to provide light to cure the extruded composition. Lights 416 , 418 , 422 are disposed within surround 424 of proximal end 414 of pen 400 . The surround 424 may be concave and may be smooth or angled and reflective to amplify the light generated by the light elements 416 , 418 , 422 . A surround 424 is shown surrounding the nozzle.

A magnifying device 480 such as a lens adapted for light transmission and magnification may be attached to the housing 436 of the pen. Amplifying device 480 may be used to amplify light from the environment or from light array 420 to cure the composition more quickly. The magnifying means 480 includes at least one lens 482 to magnify the light.

The lighting array 420 has a power source 426 and a control circuit 434 . The power source 426 may be a battery stored within the device and replaced through access to an opening 428 located at the distal end 430 of the pen 400 . Button 432 controls the operation of lighting array 420 . The control circuit 434 adjusts the intensity level of the light array 420 at a safe level and a sufficient level to cure the ink composition. Control circuit 434 may include a voltage booster or voltage reducer for power supply 426 .

Removable reservoir 402 fits within a recess 438 in housing 436 . The reservoir includes the nozzle 412 as an integral structure. Placing the compressible reservoir 402 in the housing 436 mounts the nozzle 412 in the surrounding recess.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the present invention, together with other advantages inherent in its structure, is better adapted to attain all the objects and objects set forth herein. While the invention has been described in detail, the foregoing is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Various other modifications and components are included within the scope of the invention, as would be more apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (18)

1. An ink composition configured for use in a plotting instrument or a three-dimensional printer, said ink composition comprising: Unsaturated prepolymers; a photoinitiator selected from the group consisting of benzoylphosphine oxide species of polymeric photoinitiators; and dye. 2. The ink composition of claim 1, wherein the unsaturated prepolymer is present in an amount from about 60% to about 85% by weight of the total composition. 3. The ink composition according to claim 1, further comprising a second photoinitiator selected from (4-dimethylamino) ethyl benzoate and (2-dimethyl Amino) group consisting of ethyl benzoate. 4. The ink composition of claim 1, further comprising an emulsifier. 5. The ink composition according to claim 1, further comprising a light dispersant. 6. The ink composition of claim 1, further comprising a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, analogs of butylated hydroxytoluene, and butyl Group consisting of analogues of hydroxyanisoles. 7. The ink composition according to claim 2, further comprising: A second photoinitiator selected from the group consisting of (4-dimethylamino) ethyl benzoate and (2-dimethylamino) ethyl benzoate; light dispersants; and A stabilizer selected from the group consisting of butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene analogs and butylated hydroxyanisole analogs. 8. A drawing device comprising: a housing having a compressible reservoir for containing the ink composition; a nozzle configured to extrude the ink composition from the compressible reservoir; The ink composition also includes a photocurable resin. 9. The plotting device of claim 8, further comprising a power source and a light array adjacent to the nozzle, the light array having at least one light source configured to irradiate the ink composition extruded from the nozzle. Light. 10. The plotting device of claim 8, said ink composition comprising: a photoinitiator selected from the group consisting of benzoylphosphine oxide species of polymeric photoinitiators; and dye. 11. The drawing device according to claim 10, said ink composition further comprising: A second photoinitiator selected from the group consisting of (4-dimethylamino) ethyl benzoate and (2-dimethylamino) ethyl benzoate; light dispersants; and A stabilizer selected from the group consisting of butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene analogs and butylated hydroxyanisole analogs. 12. The plotting device of claim 9, the light array further comprising at least two lights disposed around the nozzle. 13. The plotting device of claim 8, further comprising a concave surround adjacent the nozzle. 14. The mapping device of claim 8, further comprising magnification means. 15. A plotting device comprising: A housing that includes a power source and is configured to receive a compressible reservoir for containing an ink composition, the compressible reservoir further comprising nozzles; and a light array having at least two lights configured to receive power from the power source, the light array adjacent to the nozzle and aligned at an angle to the nozzle, the at least two lights configured to irradiate from The ink composition extruded by the nozzle. 16. The plotting device of claim 15, said ink composition comprising: Unsaturated prepolymers; a photoinitiator selected from the group consisting of benzoylphosphine oxide species of polymeric photoinitiators; and dye. 17. The plotting device of claim 16, the ink composition further comprising: A second photoinitiator selected from the group consisting of (4-dimethylamino) ethyl benzoate and (2-dimethylamino) ethyl benzoate; light dispersants; and A stabilizer selected from the group consisting of butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene analogs and butylated hydroxyanisole analogs. 18. The mapping device of claim 15, further comprising magnification means.